(Statutory Warning: The dangerous Jesus is on the prowl….

… Beware as you read….)

Many of us have heard of the tagline of a company which announces… “We are better than the best…”

>> Lovely phrase, ah?

The Gospel of the Day, however presents shocking and saddening words from the Mouth of the Most Prolific and Influential Prophet ever….

… Jesus… with an even stronger tagline: “They are worse than worst!”

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!” (Mt 11:21)

The context of this deadly utterance by the Lord is when he reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, where mighty deeds and miracles had been done, but they had still not repented.

These three towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were called as the “Orthodox Triangle” –

Close to the Galilee Lake, these towns were filled with devout Jews, who took the Law of Moses very seriously.

>> Adding to this traditional Jewish Faith, these towns also had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.

The Gospel says, ” If the MIRACLES performed in you…..”

Note the word, “miracles”…Plural !!

>> Not just a single miracle…..but many miracles.

>> Perhaps not just a single word…

… but many words and sermons and preaching!

>> Perhaps not just a single healing…

… but many healings and cures and restorations!

>> Perhaps not just a single warning…

… but many warnings and exhortations and appeals to repentance!

And Yet… yet, they DID NOT REPENT!

>> They KNEW TOO MUCH…but BELIEVED TOO LITTLE!

And Jesus condemns these towns…. “They are worse than the Worst!”

Let’s consider the state of these “Worst” Towns…to which the Lord compares this “Orthodox Triangle”?

Tyre and Sidon….Sodom

>> Tyre and Sidon: These were condemned cities (Cf. Ezek 26 – 28) and were embodiments of the Pagan Canaanite Culture, Pride and an Evil Arrogance

>> Sodom: This was a damned city (Cf. Gen 18:16-33) and was an epitome of gross immorality, sexual perversion, widespread corruption and a complete rejection of God.

But Jesus says… the Orthodox Triangle – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum….are worse than these worst!

>> Dirtier than the Dirtiest!

>> Unholier than the Unholiest!

>> Ungodlier than the ungodliest!

These people had plenty of knowledge…

They went to the synagogue faithfully….

They knew the Torah of God…

But when Jesus came to them, they wouldn’t repent.

>> When Jesus worked miracles, they wouldn’t believe him.

Miracles only amazed them…startled them…shocked them…..but they did not lead them to God!

Hold on!!!

Is there any resemblance between My Life and these cities of the Orthodox Triangle?

Do I boast of my knowledge of God?

>> Do I be satisfied with a mere Church-going Spirituality?

>> Do I remain an ineffective witness to the many miracles worked and the blessings showered in my life?

Let’s stop taking blessings for granted!

>> Let’s stop thinking mere external rituals are a guarantee for salvation!

>> It’s better not to have a miracle…

… than to have a miracle and not repent.

>> It’s better to be sick and not cured…

… than to be cured and not give the glory to God.

>> It’s better not to experience God…

… than to experience God and stay the same as you were.

Let’s stop fooling ourselves…saying things are fine and All is well!

>> Our conscience needs a real-time check…

>> Our hearts deserve an honest examination…

There is sure Hope…in the Lord. But only if we are repentant

There is sure mercy…in the Lord. But only if we are amending

There is sure Blessing…in the Lord. But only if we are penitent

The Orthodox Triangle is a stark reminder to us…

>> Lets never bypass opportunities & graces that come our way!

Let the cry of the Lord, “You are worse than the Worst”….never ever be addressed to us…

We Pray.

>> We make Efforts.

>>We seek for Grace!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Every society or organization or a way of life draws up rules and regulations, to which its members have to promise obedience.

A faithful commitment to these guidelines will help for the true growth of the society and help the members to genuinely enjoy all the rights and privileges.

Christianity as a Life Style, also has its Rules and Regulations and it demands Commitment!

>> And this Rule is symbolized in the CROSS!

Yes, those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be losers of oneself, be carriers of the Cross, and then Follow Him!

This is what Jesus tells in today’s Gospel: “Whoever does not take up his cross, and follow after me, is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38)

However, we are in a modern trend which causes the very mention of the word “Cross”, to put people off…

>> “Not again the Cross”

>> “Enough of pain and suffering”

>> “We come to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion & Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”

>> “Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions in our religious environs.

The modern Christian Lifestyle often thinks in the following manner:

>> We like to be Saved…

… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins…

>> We like to receive Blessings…

… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life…

>> We like to live a peaceful life…

… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence…

>> We like to be prosperous…

… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate…

>> We like to be called good…

… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ…

>> We like to have joy…

… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God…

Yes, a Fear of the Cross is very much vivid in our life style!

But Christ Crucified on the Cross…

… promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross

>> They will be rewarded…

>> They will find Life…

>> They will find true joy and peace…

…says the Lord!

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

>> Then Let us Embrace the Cross…

This “Embracing of the Cross” demands a “Primacy of Love for Christ”

>> Giving Christ the Prime position in our lives

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast was assigned to 16 July, because on that date in 1251, according to Carmelite traditions, the scapular was given by the Blessed Virgin to St. Simon Stock.

The Scapular (from Latin scapulae, “shoulders”) – is both a sign of our belonging to Mary and pledge of her maternal protection in this life and the next.

It is also a sign of couple of elements:

1. A consecration to and trust in Mary

2. A declaration to imitate Our Lady’s virtues, especially Her humility, chastity, and prayerfulness.

The scapular is not…

… a magical charm to protect someone.

… a automatic guarantee of salvation.

… an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life

It is instead, a sign…

… to follow Jesus like Mary

… to be open to God and to His Will.

… to be guided by Faith, Hope and Love.

… to pray at all times

… to discover and be aware of the Presence of God in all that happens around us.

As St. John of the Cross says:

“He who loves, is not ashamed before men of what he does for God…

… neither does he hide it through shame, though the whole world should condemn it.”

Let us seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother in our struggles and hardships of life…

… and may the Sacramental of the Scapular be a sign for us to publicly declare our Love for Christ and our Readiness to “take up the Cross!”

May we hold Mamma’s Hands…

… as She Inspires, Helps, Challenges and Intercedes for us!

Happy Feast of our Blessed Mother of Carmel!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Ella Gunderson is an eleven-year-old Catholic girl from Seattle, USA

In 2004, she went into a Nordstrom’s ( an American fashion retailer) store to buy a pair of jeans.

However, none of the jeans were pleasing to her taste, lifestyle and liking…

Every style of jeans was either very loose that they would fall down, or so tight that she would have to wear them low and thus they would become provocative.

As a Christian, she knew that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God meant beauty to be pure, inspiring, and tasteful and not degrading and objectifying!

Instead of just whining about the situation, Ella decided to act…

She wrote a public letter of complaint to Nordstrom’s…

“Dear Nordstrom, I am an eleven-year-old girl who has tried shopping at your store for clothes (in particular jeans), but all of them ride way under my hips and the next size up, is too big and falls down.”

This experience of Ella Gunderson resonated with unvoiced concern of many teenagers and women across the country, who also believed it was possible to be ‘pretty, without being provocative’.

The letter caused a huge rage to be raised by the world of media…

The media firestorm motivated Nordstrom’s to create a new category of fashion wears for juniors called “Modern and Modest.”

A great Christian endevour was pursued and achieved – all because of the convictions of a Christian girl, who believed in being “pretty, without being provocative!”

To be a Christian in today’s world is a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation for each one of us to live as a True Christian, a True Missionary – just as the Twelve Apostles were sent by Jesus on the mission journey.

Jesus had become very popular by various deeds in His ministry…

… powerfully teaching the Word of God and authoritatively interpreting the Law

… mightily healing many of the sick and boldly accepting those rejected by the peoples

… intensely performing many wondrous actions and effectively transforming the society

A great band of people had also begun to follow Him…

…some from far, some closely

…. some with ulterior motives, some with genuine intentions.

In the midst of this rising popularity and increasing crowd-following, the Lord chose the Twelve – whom He named as Apostles ( Mk 3:13)

• These Twelve were to be with Him and to be sent out

• These Twelve were to be an extension of His mission on the earth

To them, the Lord entrusts the great task of spreading His mission of the Kingdom of God.

“And He called to Him the Twelve, and began to send them out, two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7)

One of the key issues that the Lord addresses when He sends out His disciples is to be aware of the fact that there will be great possibilities that they would be “rejected”.

However, the Apostles were not to get disheartened by it; rather to be bold and firm to stand against anything that would oppose their mission.

Jesus says to them: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet….” (Mk 6: 11)

Jesus warns them that their life as His follower and as a missionary of the Kingdom, would surely meet a lot of opposition…

… many would reject their teachings

… many would even, perhaps persecute them

… many would seek to make them compromise their values

However, in all this, the Apostles were to remain bold, firm and courageous.

They had to fill their hearts with two basic virtues: Dependence on God’s Providence and Firm Perseverance in His ways.

The message of the Gospel is always opposed to the ways and values of the world!

>> It was so… in the time of Jesus

>> It was so… also in the time of the Apostles

>> And it is so… in our own times and situations

To be a Christian, a Missionary in today’s world is indeed a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

• There are many aspects in the world that go against Christian values…

• There are umpteen situations that challenge our Christian faith…

Christian virtues today are “rejected”, “trampled upon”, “compromised” and even “diluted”!

We can either…

…. give in to them

… or just complain about them

… or make efforts to change them

By virtue of our Baptism, we share…

… in the privilege of being called a follower of Christ

… also, in the responsibility and duty of being firm and faithful to our Christian values

Are we going to dilute, compromise, be lukewarm or adopt an ‘all-is-adjustable’ policy with respect to our Christian values?

• Or are we ready to grow and stand firm in our convictions and make efforts to live a True Christian life?

Is the world transforming me?

• Or am I, as a Christian, transforming the world?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Five-year old Jack was in the kitchen as his mother made supper.

She asked him to go into the store-room (the place where much of the provisions were stored) and get her a can of tomato soup.

But li’l Jack didn’t want to go in alone there.

>> “It’s dark in there and I’m scared, Mamma”

She asked again, and he persisted in his refusal.

Finally she said, “Jack, look.. there is nothing to fear in going to that store-room. Jesus will be in there, with you…”

The constant request and this assurance made Jack to walk hesitantly to the door and slowly open it.

He peeked inside, saw it was dark, got all frightened and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said:

>> “Jesus, if you’re in there, would you, please, hand me that can of tomato soup?!”

Well, this little anecdote highlights a common trend that is evident in many of our lives:

>> Fear takes an upper hand in many of our activities and renders us fragile…

>> Fear has a strong grip over our minds and hearts in many situations and makes us weak…

The Gospel of the Day is a clarion call by the Lord to ward off anxiety-causing fears and instead to be courageous in our life as a Christian.

Our Blessed Lord continues His instructions to His Apostles as they are being commissioned for the mission journey.

Today He touches upon one of the core emotions that can affect the Disciples in their mission endeavour: the emotion of Fear.

Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

Jesus seeks to cast off fear from His followers by showing them the preciousness and value of their lives… and how much of importance they are to Him.

For this, he presents the example of a sparrow.

Though quite strange, Jesus probably had a very pertinent reason for this choice of the common sparrow.

During the time of Jesus (unlike in many of our modern developed cities), sparrows were so common that they were practically worthless.

Two sparrows were sold for a ‘cent’

The word “cent” is the Greek word ‘assarion’.

• An assarion was worth only 1/16 of a denarius.

One denarius was the day’s wage for a rural worker.

So, by simple math, a single sparrow was worth only 1/32 of a day’s wage of a rural worker.

Jesus emphasizes that not even one sparrow is forgotten before God.

Therefore, Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

>> When we have a firm conviction of precious we are to the Lord – who is all-powerful and all-mighty – our every fear will be banished away!

>> When we grow in our awareness that I am really very much worth to God – who is all-knowing and all-good – our every apprehension will be relaxed!

Fear is one of the core emotions that can affect our life as a Christian:

• Fear takes an upper hand in many of our activities and renders us fragile…

• Fear has a strong grip over our minds and hearts in many situations and makes us weak…

But the deeper we are convinced that I am precious and prized to the Lord, the lesser will be our fears!

“What need I fear, when thou art near, O King of night and day” is a refrain from a Christian hymn!

Yes…

>> Fear can either prevent or propel

… Prevent from moving forward, being afraid of what will happen

… Propel to have a stronger determination and rouse the enthusiasm levels

>> Fear can either be a barrier or a boost:

… Barrier that does not allow any initiative to be taken or any thought-process to progress

… Boost that accelerates the resolve and willpower and helps march towards the goal

Are we going to let “fear” to PREVENT and act as a BARRIER in our lives?

>> Or can we, convinced of the Lord’s mighty presence in our lives and our preciousness to Him, let “fear” to PROPEL AND BOOST our Christian Missionary lives….!

St Padre Pio says:

“Even if the world were to capsize…

… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…

>> God would still be with us!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Teilhard de Chardin, a French Priest, Theologian and Philosopher describes three categories of people who climb a difficult mountain peak….

1. The Pessimists – (the ones who give up easily):

>> They regret having ventured to undertake the arduous task of climbing the huge mountain.

2. The Hedonists – (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)

>> They are satisfied with just some scenic views on the way and cease the journey, with simple trifles, unwilling to take the risk to go ahead…

3. The Enthusiasts – (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)

>> They are the real mountaineers, who keep their eyes fixed on the peaks and never give up, till they reach their goal!

The road to being a Disciple of Christ, is indeed climbing a Mountain peak….

Which category of mountain climbers are we going to be?

1. The Pessimists (the ones who give up easily)?

>> Regretting to being a Christian and thus living a life of sin and indifference

2. The Hedonists (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)?

>> Resigning to the fact that somehow I need to be a Christian, due to societal pressures, and thus live in casualness, negligence and lethargy.

Or…

3. The Enthusiasts (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)?

>> Real Christians who keep their eyes fixed on the Crucified Saviour and never give up, marching forward towards the goal of salvation!

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the challenges that are to be encountered by every follower of Christ…

… the one who wishes to walk with Jesus on the way of the Cross

… the one who wishes to scale the mountain of holiness and sanctity

When we read through the Gospels, we observe that our Lord Jesus and His teachings remained unfazed, in the midst of glamour and sensations…

>> They are simple and yet deeply challenging and radical!

The Lord does not offer a Comfortable Carpet of Roses to stroll….

>> He presents a Challenging Pathway of Thorns to tread!

“Everyone will hate you, because of ME!” (Mt 10:22a)

>> These are the fierce & fervent words of the Lord.

Yes, the Master, Himself was persecuted and hated!

He was the Epitome of Love…

… and yet He was badly hated, persecuted and tortured…

What had He ever done to be hated?

>> Being Meek and Humble of Heart…

… touching lives with Healing and Forgiveness…?

>> Being a Gospel of Love to all…

… even to the Enemies…?

>> Being a Symbol of Pardon and Forgiveness…

… even to those who persecuted and killed Him…?

>> Being an Emblem of Truth…

… in the midst of diluted ideologies & hypocritical ritualism…?

>> Being an Ornament of Joy and Hope…

… to the broken-hearted, the sinful and the rejected…?

Did he deserve to be hated???

Yet, He was!

>> He was hated… mocked at… rejected… finally even arrested, scourged and killed!

And this our Blessed Master says…Even You too!

>> Even you too, My Followers, will be hated and will be persecuted!

The path ahead sounds dangerous, right?

>> The mountain climbing seems to be not as easy as thought, right?

But relax…!

>> The road does not end with persecutions…

The verse of Jesus does not end in calamity…

>> He goes on to say: “… but whoever endures to the end will be saved!” (Mt 10: 22b)

Yeah.. That’s great good news!

The Way of Jesus is surely laden with persecutions…

….but it is also filled with much joy, satisfaction, true peace

…and finally rewarded with Eternal Life!

We only need to persevere……till the end!

The Mountain Peak of Salvation is High….

>> But the Lord beckons to each one of us!

He also reminds us through Prophet Hosea, “Return to Your God Yahweh, O Israel!” (Hos 14:2)

Let us give heed to the words of St Benedict:

“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ….and he will bring us all together to everlasting life!”

May we bold in facing humiliations, in suffering persecutions, in undergoing pain…

… all for the Sake of Christ, who showed us the Way to Glory through the Path of Persecution!

Let’s keep on moving… let’s keep climbing… let’s keep the Faith!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

108 is a free telephone number for emergency services in India, currently operational in around 22 States of the country.

The 108 Emergency Response Service is a free emergency service providing integrated medical, police and fire emergency services.

It’s interesting to see that there are different versions to tell why this number 108 is chosen as the ’emergency number”.

One explanation (which some of us would have seen in the form of WhatsApp msgs or multimedia photos) is this…

…. ‘108’ is a number derived from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 10, verse 8.

What is Mt 10:8? “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons”

This message of the Gospel reaches out as an aid and help in times of emergency to those in trouble and difficulty.

The Gospel of the Day contains this “emergency verse” in the mission commission that Jesus entrusts to his chosen Twelve.

Jesus has already inaugurated His mission of spreading the Kingdom of God.

This mission is characterized especially by reaching out to those in need and those in tribulations…

• To the sick, with the medicine of healing and comfort

• To the suppressed, with the balm of acceptance and love

• To the sinner, with the comfort of forgiveness and mercy

The chosen Twelve are also entrusted with this same commission of bringing the Kingdom of God to the lives of people: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons” (Mt 10: 8)

The Kingdom of God becomes a sign and symbol of bringing healing and wholeness to people.

This is the mandate that is entrusted to each one of us, as well, as Christians.

The Gospel of the Day invites us to adopt some important traits in our life as a Christian: Being a source of encouragement in the “emergency” situations of the lives of people.

>> Can I be a person who can be reached out, in consolation..

… when people undergo problems, crisis and face difficulties in life?

>> Can I be a person who can be an encouragement…

… when people pass through the lowly valleys of discouragement and despair in life?

>> Can I be a person who can be a healing balm and a soothing medicine…

…when people face immense heartbreaks and painful moments in life?

Jesus is an answer and solution in any “emergency” situation.

• It is in Him we find our strength.

• It is in Him we find our remedy.

Today we seek the Intercession of St Ignatius Delgado

St Ignatius Delgado was a Dominican Priest and served as a Missionary in Vietnam

>> He was among the many martyrs who watered the soil of faith in Vietnam, with their blood.

He was canonized by Pope St John Paul II in 1988.

May the intercession of this Faithful and Bold Missionary…

… help us to defend the Truth, even in times of emergency!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jesus is strange!

>> And he loves to do strange things!

“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life!

And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this Daring to be Different!

And this strange Jesus, this Daring Jesus who loves to do things differently…

… throws up a classic example for this, in today’s Gospel Reading, by choosing The Twelve Apostles – twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve…

Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary…

… Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited, Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters, Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right?

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

>> Is it True?

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…!

The Lord loves to transform and change…

>> He changed the water into wine…

>> He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands…

>> He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity…

>> He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour…

>> He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master…

… to be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God;

… to be with Him and to be sent out,

… to have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out,

… to cure every disease and illness and to preach!

These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom…

… in the place where we are

… in the state of life, that we are in?

Let’s not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses…

Yes, the Lord is strange, and He loves to do strange things…

… He is CRAZY over us!

The Lord also loves to transform and to change…

… He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

The only thing that He needs from us is…

… our Consent

… our Willingness

… our Openness!

Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord…

>> As Israelites in Hosea 10:1, Let us not boast on our prosperity or our richness; let our hearts not remain divided in our loyalty

… Let us instead plough a new ground…seeking the Lord…

The Kingdom of God is a vineyard….it needs labourers

The Kingdom of God is a net…it needs fishermen

The Kingdom of God is a field…it needs sowers and reapers

The Kingdom of God is a flock…it needs shepherds!

Yes, the Lord is calling.. the Lord is desiring.. the Lord is wanting…

Are we hearing?

Let this not remain a Missed Call!

Let’s pick up…and answer…

… and Co-operate with the Strange Master, to Dare to be Different!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A commonly heard story goes thus….

A small town had been “dry” for years.

>> i.e. ‘without any bars or consumption of alcohol’.

But some of the business people, decided to build a bar in that town.

The local Christian group were however alarmed and concerned at this latest development

>> They decided that they would have an all-night prayer to ask God to intervene.

Work on the construction of the bar, progressed right up till the week before opening…

…. when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground!

The owners of the bar, enraged, filed a case against the prayer group – to sue them in court.

>> They claimed that the prayers of the group was responsible for the destruction of their bar!

>> They claimed that the people in the church were ultimately responsible for the ruin of the building – either through direct or indirect actions or means.

The prayer group members however appointed a lawyer to defend themselves

>> They vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s devastation in its reply to the court.

The judge after the initial examination of the case stated thus:

“I do not know how I am going to decide.

But no matter how this case ends, one thing is clear:

>> It appears that we have some bar owners who believe in the power of prayer…

… but an entire praying congregation that does not!”

How true is not this the case, even in our lives?

>> People who are expected to be having more faith…

… often are seen to live a life of unbelief and distrust in God

>> People who are “inside” the praying circle and the group of faith…

… often have difficulties to simply trust in the power and workings of God

The Gospel of the Day presents before us an incident where this contrast is brought forth…

>> A group of people – the Pharisees – who were intellectually deeper in the scriptures and were expected to know more about the Messiah…

…. failed to recognize and acknowledge the Messianic Power of Jesus

>> The other group of people – simple and ordinary crowds – who followed Jesus and were effortlessly attracted to Him…

… publicly acclaimed and appreciated the mighty deeds of Jesus

The Gospel passage begins with the incident of a man – dumb and demoniac – who was brought to Jesus (Mt 9: 32)

>> When the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke ( Mt 9: 33a)

There were two reactions to this same incident: One was of marvel; the other was of contempt!

>> The crowds – simple and ordinary – who were attracted to Jesus “marvelled and said: ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel'” (Mt 9:33b)

>> The Pharisees – knowledgeable and intellectual – who often looked to find loopholes in the ministry of Jesus and trap Him, said: “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9: 34)

The same incident – Jesus healing the dumb and demoniac man – was observed and experienced by two different groups…

…. but they generated contrasting reactions and divergent responses!

>> One of them marvelled; the other mocked!

>> One of them had found a reason to praise God; the other found a reason to deride Jesus!

Is this not the case, often , even in our lives too?

>> Very often is this not the phenomena seen with respect to prayer…?

>> People who go to Church seem to be believing less in the power and providence of God…

… people who stay away from pious devotions, often acknowledge the influence of the Divine!

>> People who go regularly to Holy Mass and the Sacraments, often live superficial lives…

… people who stay away, seek to live better and more honestly.

What does this mean?

>> Not that we should stay away from our pious actions, devotions and our activities of faith

>> Not that people who don’t display faith have more reasons to live a good life

But these are reminders and alarms from the Lord…

… to examine our life and activities of faith!

… to check whether my prayer life is actually translated to a living trust in God!

Do the prayers that I make and the devotions that I engage in:

>> Cause me to believe and trust in the providential power of the Lord, knowing that He works out all things for our good…

… or do they just remain mere lip-services and an exercise and custom that I go through, without having any effect on me?

Do the Sacraments that I participate in – especially the Holy Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation:

>> Cause me to have a life-transformational experience, every time, and become moments to encounter the Living Lord and His mighty love in my life…

.. or do they become routine rituals and casual ceremonies that I go through, without allowing the Lord to cause any effect or change in me?

Do the sermons that I hear, the reflections that I read and the Bible and other books that I meditate…

>> Cause me to reflect on my life, examine my conscience and let go a life of sin…

… or do they merely become aids to help me give pointers for ‘powerful’ sermons and feel a sense of external satisfaction, without taking decisions to also live a life of holiness and sanctity?

As Christians…

>> It is our duty to know more about the Lord and learn deeper about the elements of our faith…

… but we also need to grow in our life of holiness and live the faith in our practical lives

>> It is our duty to understand Scripture more and know learn about the Church and her teachings…

… but we also need to allow the Scripture ‘to read our lives’ and to help to love, spread and defend the Church and her teachings to others.

Which group of people are we in…

>> “Knowing theoretically much about the power of God and scriptures” but failing to recognize and acknowledge His power…?

>> Or simple and ordinary in our faith and belief – seeking to know more about God and scripture- but above all, recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little boy had to walk around 2 kms to his school, through the congested and bustling city.

His mother had arranged a servant to accompany the child – while going and coming back from school – to ensure the child’s safety.

>> For this the servant was paid 30 rupees a day.

But when the child reached Third Standard (Grade 3) of school, he rebelled and told his mother:

” I’ll walk myself to school!

And if you give me 10 rupees a day, I will be extra careful. The rest of the money we can save and we all will be better off!”

After sometime of pleading and begging, the little boy finally got his way.

>> For the next three years, he walked himself – back and forth from school.

Years later, at a family party, the boy bragged about his independence and boasted to his family about how he had taken care of himself as a little boy, travelling alone to school.

His mother, on hearing the story, laughed and said:

“Did you really think you were alone?

>> “Every morning when you left for school, I left with you. I walked behind you all the way.

>> Every evening when you got out of school, I was there. I set my eyes on you and protected you.

I always kept myself hidden; but I was there and I followed you all the way home.

>> I was always there for you, especially when you needed me!”

Similar is the case of God as well, in our spiritual walk…

…. We are never left alone

… We are always followed by the Lord!

>> There are moments when we think we can manage alone

>> There are other times when we feel there is none with me, in our journey

But the Lord always walks with us…!

He is the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

>> He is the God Who is “Kind and Full of Compassion!”

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful incident of God walking with His people, especially in their moments of pain, loneliness and helplessness…

>> A God who accompanies…

… the official whose daughter had died: by bringing life and smile to his family (Mt 9: 18-19, 23-26)

… the woman with haemorrhage: by cleansing and restoring her to health (Mt 9: 20-22)

The Gospel focuses our attention on the “walk” of two persons:

1. The official whose daughter had died:

“An official CAME FORWARD, knelt down before Jesus…” (Mt 9: 18)

2. The woman with haemorrhage:

“A woman suffering haemorrhages CAME UP BEHIND Jesus….” (Mt 9: 20)

The official came walking ‘forward’

>> The woman came walking ‘from behind’

Both were persons in distress and despair

>> Both were suffering physical agony and mental anguish

Human life is characterised in these two persons…

>> The way “forward” is often an uncertain and blurred path, filled with distress and despair

>> The way “from behind” had often been an experience of physical agony and mental anguish

Loneliness plagues us in this walk of life… Hopelessness often overtakes our walk of life!

This arduous walk of life, sometimes causes…

… some of us to give up and call it quits

… some of us to drown ourselves into addictions and unhealthy habits

Some even wish to make it “all alone” in life, thinking I can manage everything by myself

… abandoning even God!

But the official and the woman in the Gospel today show us the way:

>> When the path of life becomes tough with distress and despair…

>> When the journey of life is filled with physical agony and mental anguish…

… “walk forward” towards Jesus – surrendering the future – and plead for help and mercy: like the official!

… “walk from behind” towards Jesus – leaving the past – and touch Him: like the woman!

It is then that we experience and feel the power of the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

>> The “forward step” of the official towards Jesus, surrendering his future…

… helped him to experience the mighty touch of the Lord in the life of his daughter (Mt 9:25)

… Life was restored; smiles were brought back; good news was spread all over!

>> The “behind” approach of the woman towards Jesus, letting go her past…

… helped her to experience the healing and sanctifying touch of the Lord (Mt 9: 22)

… Bleeding was ceased; courage was praised; faith was blessed!

The incidents in today’s Gospel passage, invite us…

… to surrender our future to the Lord: knowing that He will render all things for our good, if we trust and co-operate with Him

… to let go of our past to the Lord: knowing that He will touch and heal us, of all our former wounds, if we seek Him with deep desire and longing

Yes, in our walk of life, the Lord tells us:

“Do you really think you are alone?

>> “Every morning when you rise, I am with you. I walk behind you all the way.

>> Every evening when you rest, I am there. I set my eyes on you and protect you

I sometimes seem hidden; but I am there and I follow you all the way.

>> I am always there for you, especially when you need me!”

Let us grow in our trust and faith in the Lord and “walk” with Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

When the first missionaries went to Japan, a young Japanese boy wanted to learn English.

The missionaries handed him a copy of the Gospels and asked him to translate to his native language.

(The boy – an avid reader – had never heard about Jesus and considered the book as being just one of the “many books that he had read”)

After a few pages of translation, the boy became very agitated and restless.

Approaching the missionaries, he said to them: “Who is this Man about Whom I have been reading in this book? This Jesus!

>> You call Him a Man… but to me, he appears as a God!”

The boy was under the impression that he was reading a book about a famous Man…

… only to discover that he was actually encountering The Great God in the Book!

Yes, a genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

>> Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…

>> Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

The Gospel of the Day presents this dual-reaction to Jesus, the Word of God…

… an initial sense of rejoicing and enthrallment

… and later, a purposeful rejection of the Divine Ways and Will

The Lord arrives in His hometown.

>> On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.

The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:

“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)

But this feeling quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:

“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)

What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?

• It was simply because Jesus was “just one of them!”

• It was simply because Jesus was “too acquainted to them!”

Familiarity often breeds contempt!

• When one is too close to the Divine, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

• When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”

How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

• Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….

Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?

>> Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”… ?

Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…

• Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and WhatsApp and social networking tools…

Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?

>> Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent” … ?

The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.

However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced…

>> Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!

>> Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!

>> Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…

… due to our ignorance

… due to our contempt of things

… and due to our prejudiced mindsets!

We are invited today to “open our eyes” and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us… personally… as a family… as a community… and as a Church, have been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.

• True that we have a lot of difficulties to face in our life…

• True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…

Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?

A genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

>> Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…

>> Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

What is our Reaction and Response to Jesus, the Word of God?

God Bless! Live Jesus!